How to Get to Matsusaka from Kansai International Airport (KIX): A Complete Travel Guide

2026.10.15

Matsusaka City in Mie Prefecture is a historic treasure trove famous for its authentic Matsusaka Beef. Although it feels like a hidden gem, getting there is surprisingly easy: just 2.5 hours from Kansai International Airport (KIX) with only one simple transfer! This comprehensive, step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about navigating trains, buying tickets, and making smooth transfers—even on your first trip to Japan.

Why Visit Matsusaka City?

During the Edo period (1603–1867), Matsusaka flourished as a lively and wealthy merchant town. Today, you can step back in time and visit the preserved grand houses of historic merchants, which give you a glimpse into their traditional lifestyle.

Matsusaka is also world-famous for Matsusaka Beef, one of Japan’s premier Wagyu brands. If you want to enjoy rich history and authentic gourmet food away from the big crowds, Matsusaka is the perfect destination!

🗺️ Route Overview: KIX to Matsusaka at a Glance

The whole trip takes about 2.5 hours with only one simple transfer in Osaka.

[Step 1] Kansai-Airport Station ➔ Nankai Namba Station (Choose Option A or B)

Train type	Travel Time	Total Fare (as of Sept. 2026)	Notes
Option A: Rapi:t (Limited Express)	Fastest 34 min	¥1,670 (Base fare: ¥970 + Express ticket: ¥700)	Reserved seats, speed, large luggage space
Option B: Airport Express	Approx. 55 min	¥970 (Base fare only)	Budget-friendly (no seat reservations)

⬇Transfer on foot: Walk approx. 10 minutes from Nankai Namba Station to Kintetsu Osaka-Namba Station. 

[Step 2] Kintetsu Osaka Namba Station → Matsusaka Station (Direct Train)

Train type	Duration	Total Fare	Notes
Kintetsu Limited Express	Approx. 90 min	¥3,220 yen (Base fare: ¥1,880 + Express ticket: ¥1,340)	Direct ride, all reserved seats

🚶 Step-by-step guide: From KIX to Matsusaka

Step 1: From KIX Arrival Lobby to Kansai-Airport Station

1. Once you arrive at the International Arrival Lobby (1F), look for signs pointing to "Railways" and head up to the 2nd floor via elevator or escalator.

2. Follow the signs through the automatic doors and walk across the connecting pedestrian bridge.

3. You will arrive at the train concourse. Look for the Nankai Railway gates and ticket machines (located directly next to the JR gates).

Step 2: Taking the Nankai Train to Nankai Namba Station

You have two main train options: the comfortable Limited Express "Rapi:t" or the budget-friendly Airport Express.

Option A: Riding the Limited Express Rapi:t (Reserved Seats)

♦ Total Fare: ¥1,670 (Base Fare: ¥970 + Limited Express Ticket: ¥700)
♦ Travel Time: Approx. 34–40 min

🎫 How to Purchase Your Tickets & Ride

You can prepare your tickets and board using one of the following 3 methods:

●Method 1: Buy at the Ticket Machine

1. Select "English" or your preferred language on the screen.
2. Tap "Purchase Limited express ticket".
3. Confirm your departure station and tap "Select the boarding date, time and station"
4. Select "Namba" as your destination.
5. Choose your preferred train departure time.
6. Select the number of passengers and confirm your seats.
7. Tap "When the boarding section is the same with your Limited express ticket" to purchase both your base fare and express ticket together.
8. Pay with cash or credit card.
9. Insert your ticket into the ticket gate to enter.

●Method 2: Buy Online + Contactless Tap-to-Ride

1. Reserve and purchase your seat online in advance via " Nankai Ticketless Service ".
2. For the base fare, simply tap your contactless payment card or smartphone at the dedicated contactless ticket gates when entering and exiting!

Note: If you cannot use contactless payment, please purchase a regular base fare ticket at the ticket machines.

●Method 3: Buy at the Ticket Counter

1. Visit the manned Nankai Ticket Counter and inform the staff: destination (Namba), number of passengers, and preferred time.
2. Pay and collect your ticket, then insert it into the ticket gate to enter.

Option B: Riding the Airport Express

♦ Total Fare: ¥970 (Regular Base Fare only / No seat reservation needed)
♦ Travel Time: Approx. 55 min

🎫 How to Purchase Your Tickets & Ride

You can board the train using one of the following methods:

●Method 1: Tap to Ride with Contactless Payment

Simply tap your contactless credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), smartphone at the designated ticket gates when entering and exiting.

●Method 2: Buy at the Ticket Machine

1. Select "English" or your preferred language on the screen.
2. Tap "Purchase ticket".
3. Select the "¥970" fare button.
4. Pay with cash or credit card and take your paper ticket.
5. Insert your ticket into the ticket gate to enter.

Step 3: Transferring from Nankai Namba Station to Kintetsu Osaka-Namba Station

■ Walking Time: Approx. 10 minutes
■ Route: Fully indoor & underground passage

🚶 Step-by-Step Walking Directions

1. Exit the Nankai Ticket Gates:

● After getting off the train on the platform (3F), look up for the signs pointing to the "Kintetsu Line."
● Follow these signs to the North Exit and pass through the ticket gates.

2. Head Down to the 1st Floor (1F):

● After exiting the gates, take the escalator down to the 1st floor (1F).

3. Head Down to the Basement Floor (B1F):

●Follow the "Kintetsu Line" signs and take the next escalator or stairs down to the basement floor (B1F).

4. Walk Through the Underground Passage:

● Walk straight through the underground passage, continuing to follow the overhead signs for the "Kintetsu Line."

5. Arrive at Kintetsu Osaka Namba Station:

● You will arrive at the Kintetsu ticket gates and ticket counter.

Step 4: Osaka-Namba Station to Matsusaka Station via Kintetsu Limited Express

The direct Kintetsu Limited Express takes you smoothly to Matsusaka Station in around 90 minutes without changing trains. All seats are reserved.

■ Total Fare: ¥3,220 (Base Fare: ¥1,880 + Limited Express Ticket: ¥1,340)
■ Travel Time: Approx. 90 min

🎫 How to Purchase Your Tickets & Ride

You can prepare your tickets and board using one of the following 3 methods:

●Method 1: Buy at the Ticket Machine

1. Select "English" or your preferred language on the screen.
2. Tap "Purchase Limited Express ticket."
3. Select "Matsusaka" as your destination.
4. Choose your preferred train and the number of passengers.
5. Select your seat preference (if desired).
6. Select the option to purchase both the Limited Express ticket and the regular Base Fare ticket together.
7. Pay with cash or credit card and take your tickets.
8.Insert your ticket into the ticket gate to enter.

●Method 2: Buy Online + Contactless Tap-to-Ride

1. Buy your reserved seat online in advance via the " Kintetsu Internet Reservation and Sales Service ".
2. For the base fare, simply tap your contactless payment card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) or smartphone at the dedicated contactless ticket gates when entering and exiting!
( Learn more about Kintetsu Contactless Payment )

Note: If you cannot use contactless payment, please purchase a regular base fare ticket at the ticket machines.

●Method 3: Buy at the Ticket Counter

1. Visit the manned Kintetsu Ticket Counter and inform the staff: destination (Matsusaka), number of passengers, and preferred time.
2. Pay and collect your ticket, then insert it into the ticket gate to enter.

✨ Welcome to Matsusaka!

Traveling from Kansai International Airport to Matsusaka is smooth and simple with just one indoor transfer.

Matsusaka Station is your gateway to the city. Once you arrive, a world of historic charm and incredible flavors awaits you within easy walking distance. Enjoy world-famous Matsusaka beef, explore the historic Matsusaka Castle Ruins, and stroll through the atmospheric streets lined with Edo-period merchant residences.

Make Matsusaka a highlight of your Japan journey—we look forward to your visit!